Punjab May Announce Early Summer Holidays in School Due to Heatwave

LAHORE: On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Punjab School Education Department said it may start summer holidays earlier than planned. This is because of the strong heatwave affecting most parts of Punjab.

The summer holidays were first set to begin on June 1 and end on August 9. But now, officials are thinking about closing schools one week earlier. No official order has been issued yet, but discussions are ongoing.

Right now, all schools in Punjab are following a special summer schedule. In single-shift schools, classes start at 7:30 am and finish at 1:00 pm from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, they close at 11:30 am.

Teachers must stay in school until 1:30 pm. However, they may leave early if the heat becomes too much. A decision will be made on a day-to-day basis.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that the first heatwave of May will begin on Thursday and last for 3 to 4 days. It also said that temperatures in Punjab and Islamabad will stay 5 to 7 degrees Celsius higher than normal until May 19.

The PMD added that a westerly weather system might enter northern Pakistan on the evening or night of May 19, which could help reduce the heat.

Many parents and teachers are complaining about the high temperatures. They are worried about students falling sick. This is a big problem in government schools that do not have air conditioners.

The School Education Department is watching the situation closely. An official decision is expected soon. Parents and schools are waiting for the final announcement.